Good morning, everybody!
Gilbert and Sullivan are perhaps two of the most easily recognizable figures in the world of European operetta, having composed fourteen short operas throughout their extensive colloboration. However, whilst researching for my next show - 'The Mikado - or the Town of Tittipu' - I discovered that the two almost came to an impasse prior to its composing. Sullivan was keen to pursue 'serious' music, and was also conscious of his health:
I'm not anticipating any great response to this, but I'd like to hear what people have to say!
Gilbert and Sullivan are perhaps two of the most easily recognizable figures in the world of European operetta, having composed fourteen short operas throughout their extensive colloboration. However, whilst researching for my next show - 'The Mikado - or the Town of Tittipu' - I discovered that the two almost came to an impasse prior to its composing. Sullivan was keen to pursue 'serious' music, and was also conscious of his health:
"...I have been continually keeping down the music in order that not one [syllable] should be lost... I should like to set a story of human interest & probability where the humorous words would come in a humorous (not serious) situation, & where, if the situation were a tender or dramatic one the words would be of similar character."
As a result, Gilbert was forced to rewrite plots he'd been developing in order to coax Sullivan back into the business. The adverse could have interesting consequences for the development of British opera.
I'm not anticipating any great response to this, but I'd like to hear what people have to say!